I don't think you're right about Common Tator. I checked his postings, and there are elements of his self-described biography that don't add up at all with Rush's. In addition, he seems to be somewhat Ohio-centric, which would not be Rush at all.
I was wrong, however, about Common Tator disappearing. He has posted to Free Republic quite recently.
(steely)
I freeped Hitlery's book signing tour this past August. Common Tator was there as well and doesn't look a bit like Rush.